Car accident / motor vehicle collisions are a far too often occurrence. Injuries can range to back injury and whiplash to paralysis and death. The injuries result in payment for medical bills and loss of income due to the inability to work. In more serious injuries, the ability to work can be permanently impacted.
Although the investigation of many accidents starts with a traffic collision report prepared by law enforcement, an experienced lawyer does not stop there. Depending on the complexity of the accident, attorneys at the Law Offices of Ara Jabagchourian, P.C. employ experts in the field of accident reconstruction, road design, signal design, and human factors to put together a complete picture of the case. Such experts are used in conjunction to the analysis provided by law enforcement, including the California Highway Patrols M.A.I.T. team.
It is important to get an attorney soon after the car accident. These experts will evaluate a whole host of facts. Such facts include the vehicles involved in the accident. If attorneys are brought into the case too late, then our experts will not have the ability to inspect the vehicles involved or see the road prior to any repairs or skid marks are washed away.
Similarly, based on the injuries sustained by the victim, our office will employ experts in rehabilitation, life care planning and economists to fully evaluate the damage inflicted. These experts would testify along with the victim’s treating doctors to put together a full picture. This picture consists of not only the past injuries, but also future damages. Obtaining the medical records and having them reviewed, as well as an evaluation of the victim, is a must.
Below are several things you must obtain to assist in proving your case:
- Traffic Collision Report – In an car accident, immediately call to have law enforcement prepare a report. Typically, they will interview the parties involved and any third-party witnesses to the accident.
- Go to a medical care provider immediately – If you are hurt, go see a medical care professional or get to an emergency department right away. Insurance companies tend to argue that you were not hurt or it was not serious if you wait for a period of time.
- Attend all follow up appointments – Another aspect that is important is following up with your medical care providers. Insurance companies take the view that if you are not serious about your treatment, neither are they.
- Keep copies of all receipts – Make sure to maintain all receipts for any payments associated with the accident, such as medical co-pays, explanation of benefits, receipts for medical devices such as crutches, braces, etc.
- Track loss of work – Keeping tracking of the hours of work you loss due to injuries sustained from the accident are also paramount. Keep all 1099 and W-2s. If you are an independent contractor or self-employed, keep track of prior W-9s.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, please call (650) 437-6840. We will gladly go over your case with you.
